Next up in our Evogro Explains series: the brilliantly vibrant Red Amaranth — a microgreen known for its electric pink hue, delicate texture, and mild, earthy flavour.
Welcome back to Evogro Explains — where we dive into the details behind some of our most popular microgreens. This time, we’re putting the spotlight on Red Amaranth, a micro herb that offers far more than just a pretty finish.
What is Red Amaranth?
Red Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) is part of a genus containing over 70 species, many of which are cultivated around the world as food crops. Though it’s technically a pseudocereal (not a true grain), amaranth seeds are nutrient-rich and can be used like flour or cereal. Its deep red leaves, however, are what make it a standout in fine dining kitchens today.
With a flavour profile similar to spinach and a delicate, nutty aroma, micro Red Amaranth is typically harvested at around 14 days for the best balance of texture and colour. In Evogro cabinets, lighting is fine-tuned to preserve the plant’s deep pink tones – which can otherwise fade in lower-light conditions, leading to a more muted appearance.
Why Chefs Love it
Red Amaranth has become a favourite in modern kitchens for its versatility and impact. At Elements in Glasgow, Chef Gary Townsend recently used it in a Highland Roe Deer Kofta, pairing it with cumin yoghurt, pickled red cabbage, fresh cavolo nero, green mizuna, and nasturtium – all harvested from his Evogro cabinet just before plating.
In the Evogro Cooks video, you’ll see Gary’s dish come together as a rich yet balanced composition — with Red Amaranth adding brightness, lift, and a touch of bitterness that cuts through the richness of the kofta and yoghurt.
@evogro Head Chef, Gary Townsend, from Elements Glasgow plates up a flavour-packed deer kofta with cumin yoghurt, pickled red cabbage, and fresh Evogro-grown herbs. #MichelinStarCooking #gourmetcooking #HauteCuisine #finedining #gastronomy #bakersoftiktok #tiktokfood #foodtok #tiktokfoodie #chef #cheflife #chefsoftiktok #michelin #michelinstar #michelinguide #michelinstarrestaurant #cookingtiktok #cookinghacks
Beyond the Garnish
Red Amaranth isn’t just a looker — it’s also a nutrient powerhouse. The leaves are packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, and the plant itself contains antioxidants and protein, making it a strong candidate for both nutrition and sustainability-focused menus.
And beyond the leaf? The seeds can be eaten like cereal, popped like popcorn, or cooked into porridges. In Central and South America, they’re even used to make alegría — a sweet, energy-dense confection. The leaves can also be cooked like spinach or blended into sauces and soups.
A Few Fun Facts:
- Ancient origins – Red Amaranth was once a staple crop of the Aztec civilisation, providing up to 80% of their dietary energy before the Spanish conquest
- Natural dye – The intense red pigment can be used to colour food and textiles naturally
- Flexible growing – Harvest young for tenderness, or let it mature for larger, leafier impact
Why Grow it With Evogro?
The biggest challenge with Red Amaranth is maintaining its vibrant pink colouring. The leaves’ bright hue comes from anthocyanin pigments — the same natural compounds that give red fruit skins their colour and offer antioxidant benefits.
However, anthocyanin production is driven by blue light (through plant photoreceptors called cryptochromes), and in traditional growing environments like polytunnels or glasshouses, the lower blue light levels often lead to more green chlorophyll in the leaves, giving the crop a dull, muddy appearance.
With Evogro’s Active Spectrum Management™, every shelf is optimised to provide the right balance of light — especially blue wavelengths — so your Red Amaranth consistently develops that jewel-pink vibrancy chefs look for.
No guesswork, no off-colour crops, and no compromise on appearance or nutritional value.
Want to put Red Amaranth on your menu?
Reach out to our support team if you’re an existing customer, and we’ll get Red Amaranth included in your next grow plan. Still haven’t joined the growing revolution? Book a free consultation and we’ll show you how easy it is to grow premium, fresh microgreens like Red Amaranth in your own kitchen — with samples available on request.
